Trump to Deploy National Guard in Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:12:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a controversial move, President Trump announces plans to send the National Guard to Memphis to tackle rising crime, raising legal and political questions about the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.

President Trump revealed on Friday his intention to send the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, amid crime concerns, despite a drop in crime rates reported by city police. While the state's Republican governor supports the deployment, local Democratic officials express skepticism about its efficacy, asserting a need for more comprehensive strategies to address crime. City Mayor Paul Young emphasized the necessity for community-focused interventions instead of military presence. The proposal is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to use military resources in urban areas, igniting debate about federal versus local control.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RTW News) — President Donald Trump announced on Friday plans to deploy the National Guard to address crime concerns in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting discussions on the authority of presidential power in utilizing military forces within U.S. cities.

During a segment on Fox News, Trump claimed that both the city's mayor and the state's governor supported the impending deployment, describing Memphis as a deeply troubled city similar to past incidents he managed in Washington where he previously sent the National Guard and bolstered federal law enforcement.

However, Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, contested Trump's statement, stating at a news conference that he had not requested National Guard assistance and questioned its effectiveness in crime reduction.

Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, confirmed the details surrounding the National Guard's deployment, indicating discussions with Trump to clarify the mission's goals were ongoing. In a statement, Lee expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment to providing necessary resources for Memphis.

Despite a reported decrease in crime rates across Memphis for the first eight months of 2025, with overall crime reaching a 25-year low and homicides hitting a six-year low, Trump asserted that his decision to send troops came after discussions with business leaders concerned about public safety.

The political landscape surrounding the deployment is markedly divided, as the governor's support starkly contrasts that of Democratic governors in states like California, where similar military actions have faced strong opposition.

Republican Senator Brent Taylor voiced support for the deployment, suggesting the National Guard could aid local law enforcement, while others like Shelby County's district attorney argued that civilian federal agents skilled in law enforcement should be prioritized over military troops.

The legality of using National Guard troops for civil law enforcement has also been questioned, with legal experts suggesting that there is insufficient justification for such deployment. Concerns arise about the impact on constitutional rights when military personnel assume policing roles.

In response, Trump stated he would have preferred deploying troops to Chicago, highlighting a pattern of strong reactions to his military involvements in urban settings, with local leadership often resistant to federal intervention.

This latest deployment signifies Trump's ongoing strategy to exercise authority in crime-ridden areas, raising fundamental questions about governance, community safety, and the role of military presence within American cities.